Globalization

Matsuda states, “English has become the dominant language around the world.” The majority of people speaking English have acquired it as a second language.  The thought behind this is the power that is attached to learning English. Kubota mentions that it is perceived as a superiority language.  Many people have the thought process that having English as a first language would be a head step.  I often wonder if English as a first language is a disservice.  Many L1 English speakers never learn a second language.  It’s almost one step ahead because we already know English, but one step behind because we don’t find the importance of having a second language.  More doors open for American citizens that have a second language, but many Americans do not have the motivation to learn one.  I wonder the reasoning for this?    

Matsuda also mentions code switching and the privileges and consequences of this.  The lack of code switching play a huge role on the impressions you make on people.  Code switching and conversation practice is not given nearly enough attention during instructions.  Kubota referred to this as teaching English conversation.   

Kubota says there is a widespread conception that “Because English is the international language that bridges multiple cultures, learning English enables understanding of the world and cultural diversity.”  English is used as lingua franca all over and is definitely used as a bridge.  Matsuda mentions that many residents of the same country communicate using English.  However learning English gives you no understanding of the world and cultural diversity.  There is very limited focus on cultural diversity in our schools.  It is lightly touched upon and moved forward.  The history that is taught to our students promotes the U.S. 

Kubota talked a lot about kokusaika which I am still slightly confused about.  Kokusaika promotes convergence to predetermined norms instead of culturalism.    Kokusaika is being replaced by globalization.  Kokusaika emphasizes teaching and learning a foreign language, particularly English.  Which circles back around to my earlier arguments. 

Kubota also compared Japanese circular logic to English have linear logic.  It is an interesting way to show the differences of the two languages.  The Course of Study has very strict guidelines on using and teaching these separate logics.  The Course of study also has guidelines on teaching a second language, but doesn’t specify what language should be taught.  Interestingly enough English is many times the only option.